CBA Challenge Funding Applications

Some successful Challenge Funding applicants

Applicant 1; The Esher Village Study Project

The project is focussed on the Bishop of Winchester’s Manor of Esher in Surrey. The aim of the Esher Village Study group, part of the Esher District Local History Group partnered with the Surrey Archaeological Society, is to investigate the origins and development of Esher Parish in the Middle Ages, using a combined approach of archaeological and archival research. The project involved gathering data from manorial records, maps and plans with a key interest in the Winchester Pipe Rolls. These are a series of manorial accounts, dating between 1208/9 to 1453/4 regarding the Bishop’s estate in Hampshire. The study group applied for the grant to enable assist them to obtain a specialist translation in latin and palaeography from the Winchester Pipe Rolls, to understand social aspects, the economic situation of the period and landscape/estate management. The aim is to publish the results in 2012/13 in a book about the development of the Parish.

Applicant 2; The Knowle Hall Project Revisted

The location of this project is in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull and the project was designed to establish a felling date for a plank of wood with peg holes, found in excavation of the moat, in Knowle Hall’s grounds. The Solihull Archaeological Group believed the wood was part of the timber framing for a building that may predate other structures on the site. The Challenge Funding grant paid for Carbon 14 dating to be carried out on the timber, since it was unsuitable for dendrochronology. This would be an advantage to the continuing project as if it is confirmed to be medieval, it suggests the presence of buildings on the moated platform far earlier than originally believed.
Contact information for anyone wishing to gain further knowledge: Malcom Pheasey the Deputy Chairman and Excavation Director of Solihull Archaeological Group

Applicant 3; Scales Field Survey

The project was focussed around Chapel le Dale in the Yorkshire Dales, developing and understanding the chronology of medieval and post-medieval landscapes, using features within the fields and wall styles/constructions. Whilst providing opportunities to volunteers and local people, the project is investigating the medieval and post-medieval farmstead complexes to understand the palimpsest landscape. The grant applied for will support laboratory analysis of charcoal and environmental remains, while dendrochoronology and carbon 14 dating are being used to allow appropriate samples to be dated. The project hopes to provide a template for any further work in the Dales and surrounding area.

Applicant 4; Factories by Wallis, Gilbert and Partners Project

The project was aimed at researching, furthering knowledge and understanding any parallels, comparisons or outside influences in architectural detailing of London’s Wallis, Gilbert and Partners factories. The project involved desk based research along with site inspection; and internal survey combined with photography. A few of the factories that were investigated are the Hoover Factory, the former Wrigley’s Factory, the Firestone Factory (now demolished), Tilling Stevens Factory and Coty Factory. The grant supported transport costs between sites and the record centres. It also covered the costs of desktop research material, e.g. the reproduction of archival records.

Applicant 5; Bolsterstone Blacksmith’s Workshop and Forge Excavation

Carried out by the Bolsterstone Archaeology and Heritage Group, this project aimed to characterise a range of activities carried out within the Workshop/Forge over a period of time, until its demolition in 1958. The site used to be a focus point for the village and still has a place in the hearts of local people, so the group hope the excavation would return part of the history to the community, through studying the remains and assemblages and understanding the social significant of the place. The project involved volunteers from the University of Sheffield and the grant enabled the group to secure a ceramics expert for specialist analysis of the pottery assemblages. Once a report is produced, the group plan to hold a study workshop for the members and volunteers.